Insight > Country Roads of Scotland

Country Roads of Scotland
9 Days starting from $1,725

Countries Visited:
Scotland

 

Length: 9 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Britain and Ireland
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: B905
   
 
About This Tour


This tour is well paced with an initial two-night stay in Edinburgh followed by nights in the Highlands, Thurso, Ullapool, the stunning Isle of Skye and Glasgow. The driving days are of a comfortable length and have frequent stops.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 9

Quality Dining

  • Traditional Highland dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
  • 7 full Breakfasts (B) and 3 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

9 Days ~ Scotland

Tour Pace
This tour is well paced with an initial two-night stay in Edinburgh followed by nights in the Highlands, Thurso, Ullapool, the stunning Isle of Skye and Glasgow. The driving days are of a comfortable length and have frequent stops.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Edinburgh.

DAY 2 – SAT – EDINBURGH
Welcome to Scotland - land of legend and romance, from the two great cultural cities in the south, to the salmon-filled rivers, dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands! Arrive in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, where there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring. Perhaps take a stroll around the shops of Princes Street before joining your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.In the evening, selected departures attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Hotel: Marriott.

DAY 3 – SUN – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to see the highlights of ‘Athens of the North’. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, visit the awesome Castle, perched high on its rock. See the house where John Knox, leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, spent the last 10 years of his life, and St Giles’ Cathedral, where he preached his fiery sermons. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Mary Queen of Scots lived – it is still the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at leisure: perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery. (B)

DAY 4 – MON – EDINBURGH – HIGHLANDS
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St Andrews, where golf was born on the Old Course in the 15th century. After some time to explore, continue to Perth to watch the Caithness glass-blowers at work. Afterwards, visit a whisky distillery, where local water, the best malt and age-old skills combine to produce a ‘wee dram’ for you to taste. A short journey over the Grampian Mountains and you arrive at your Highland hotel for the night. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment.
Hotel: Highlander. (B,HD)

DAY 5 – TUE – HIGHLANDS – THURSO
Travel to the tragic battlefield of Culloden, where in 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was finally crushed. Drive via the stately town of Inverness, home of world-famous Pringle knitwear, and along the scenic shores of Loch Ness to search for the elusive monster. Now follow the rugged coast north to John O’Groats, the most northerly town of mainland Britain. The coastal road to Thurso then offers splendid views out over the Pentland Firth.
Hotel: Royal. (B,D)

DAY 6 – WED – THURSO – ULLAPOOL
Through stunning and unspoilt landscapes along the northern coastline with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Arrive in the little fishing town of Ullapool on Loch Broom.
Hotel: Caledonian. (B,D)

DAY 7 – THU – ULLAPOOL – ISLE OF SKYE
An exciting day takes you past remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Then it’s over to Skye to hear romantic tales of Flora MacDonald and her daring rescue of the Bonnie Prince. See the island’s most famous feature, the Cuillin Hills on your way to Skye’s quaint capital, Portree, which is situated in a sheltered bay.
Hotel: Tongadale. (B,D)

DAY 8 – FRI – ISLE OF SKYE – GLASGOW
Enjoy a feast of scenic splendour as you return to the mainland and head past Loch Garry into the Great Glen. Stop along the way at the Second World War Commando Memorial which affords fine views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Your route continues past Fort William, along the shores of Loch Linnhe and through infamous Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen.Your highlight for today is a cruise on the blue waters of Loch Lomond, the 'Queen of Scottish Lakes' and largest in Great Britain. It’s not far now to the Clyde Valley and the vibrant commercial cityof Glasgow.
Hotel: Marriott. (B)

DAY 9 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast with complimentary transfers to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. (B)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/12/2008 - 9/20/2008
$1,725
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/19/2008 - 9/27/2008
$1,725
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/26/2008 - 10/4/2008
$1,725
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/17/2009 - 4/25/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
5/1/2009 - 5/9/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
5/8/2009 - 5/16/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
5/15/2009 - 5/23/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
5/22/2009 - 5/30/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
5/29/2009 - 6/6/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
6/5/2009 - 6/13/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
6/12/2009 - 6/20/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
6/19/2009 - 6/27/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
6/26/2009 - 7/4/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/3/2009 - 7/11/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/10/2009 - 7/18/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/17/2009 - 7/25/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/24/2009 - 8/1/2009
$1,775
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/31/2009 - 8/8/2009
$1,750
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
8/7/2009 - 8/15/2009
$1,835
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
8/14/2009 - 8/22/2009
$1,835
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
8/21/2009 - 8/29/2009
$1,835
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
8/28/2009 - 9/5/2009
$1,850
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/4/2009 - 9/12/2009
$1,790
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/11/2009 - 9/19/2009
$1,790
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/18/2009 - 9/26/2009
$1,790
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/25/2009 - 10/3/2009
$1,790
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
         

Hotels
Modern Marriott hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow contrast with the hotels to be found in the Highlands, which are much simpler establishments although typical of the region, and often family run.

Fellow Passengers
This itinerary appeals to those who have a Scottish background, as well as those who want to see the country’s dramatic scenery while at the same time tasting Scottish history.

Highlights
The beautiful setting for the cruise on Loch Lomond, the delights of the Scottish evening with haggis and bagpipes, the grandeur of Edinburgh and the overwhelming Highland landscape and hospitality are all highlights.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • See the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) in Edinburgh
  • Drive along the Royal Mile past St Giles’ Cathedral to Holyroodhouse Palace
  • See Edinburgh’s ‘New Town’ and Sir Walter Scott Monument on Princes Street
  • Visit St Andrews with its cathedral, long-established university & famous golf course
  • Visit Caithness Glass Factory
  • Visit a whisky distillery and taste a ‘wee dram’
  • Visit Culloden where the Jacobite Army under Bonnie Prince Charlie was finally defeated
  • Visit the Highland capital of Inverness and drive along Loch Ness to spot the monster
  • Visit John O’Groats, the most northerly town of mainland Britain
  • Visit the fishing port of Ullapool & admire the scenery of the North West Highlands
  • See the Isle of Skye’s dramatic Cuillin Hills and stay in its capital of Portree
  • View pretty Eilean Donan Castle, set on an island in a loch & surrounded by mountains
  • See the Second World War Commando Memorial and Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak
  • Travel through Glencoe
  • Visit a woollen mill

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tour in EdinburghOrientation tour in Glasgow

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 9

Quality Dining

  • Traditional Highland dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
  • 7 full Breakfasts (B) and 3 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
Send This Tour to a Friend:
   
Your Name: Required.
Your E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Your Friend's Name: Required.
Your Friend's E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Comments:  
Required.